Brides are “borrowing” something “old” – the wedding gowns of their close family members (mom, grandmother, sister, aunt). And they are displaying the gowns on a mannequin dress form at the wedding reception.
Often they include a photo of the bride on her wedding day wearing the gown on display. Who doesn’t like seeing their wedding gown a second time?
The images in this blog are from Pinterest, so you can see different ways people have incorporated this idea. Some brides include the gowns of groom’s relatives. It is such a moving way to honor the female relatives – whether living or deceased.
You don’t have to purchase the dress forms, as most major cities have a mannequin rental company. If you are in the SF Bay Area, you can rent them from Mannequin Madness. But some brides like to purchase a dress form because they can then keep their gown on display after the wedding. You can find used dress forms on craigslist or from used display fixture companies (like Mannequin Madness again)
This decorating idea can cover a wide area at a much cheaper cost than flowers or balloons. It is interesting for the guests to see how bridal fashions have changed over the years.
“Something new” is likewise where the bride is headed with her husband and new life. This item signifies the success they will have together, and is a token of good luck.
“Something borrowed” is a piece that either has heavy sentimental meaning or from someone very close to the bride, as it represents the willingness of friends and family to help the new couple if they should need it. The strictest interpretation of this is that the item must be borrowed from a female friend or relative who is happily married, preferably something she wore in her own wedding.
“Something blue” is a far older symbol than this superstition, as in Roman times blue was the color of fidelity, love and purity.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
